Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com Autoblog http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.autoblog.com/media/feedlogo.gif Autoblog http://www.autoblog.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/<![CDATA[VIDEO: <em>The Entrepreneur</em> documentary about Malcolm Bricklin now playing on Autoblog]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/video-em-the-entrepreneur-em-documentary-about-malcolm-brick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/video-em-the-entrepreneur-em-documentary-about-malcolm-brick/http://www.autoblog.com/2009/07/27/video-em-the-entrepreneur-em-documentary-about-malcolm-brick/#commentsFiled under: ,


Click above to watch The Entrepreneur after the jump

Forget Blockbuster. Forget Netflix. Let Autoblog take care of movie night this week. We're presenting The Entrepreneur (Check out a review on Cinematical.com) on our silver screen through 7/30 courtesy of SnagFilms.com. This recently released documentary is all about Malcolm Bricklin, and it was directed by his son, John Bricklin. You may think you know all about the man who brought Subaru to the U.S. and introduced Americans to the Yugo, but you just don't until you watch his attempt to bring Chinese cars to the U.S. The "Chery Deal" is this story's main propellant, and it's the perfect backdrop against which to watch this force of nature in the business world work.

So pop some popcorn, find a plastic cup that can hold a Hoover's Dam worth of Coke and hit play after the jump.

Continue reading VIDEO: The Entrepreneur documentary about Malcolm Bricklin now playing on Autoblog

VIDEO: The Entrepreneur documentary about Malcolm Bricklin now playing on Autoblog originally appeared on Autoblog on Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bricklinjohn bricklinJohnBricklinmalcolm bricklinMalcolmBricklinsnagfilmsthe entrepreneurTheEntrepreneurMon, 27 Jul 2009 19:28:00 EST<![CDATA[SEMA Sideshow: Bricklin SV1 show car]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-sideshow-bricklin-sv1-show-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-sideshow-bricklin-sv1-show-car/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/10/31/sema-sideshow-bricklin-sv1-show-car/#commentsFiled under: , , ,


Click for gallery of high-res shots of the Bricklin SV1 show car

Now here's something you definitely don't see every day, even at SEMA. A Bricklin SV-1! And not just any Bricklin SV-1 either, but the one redone by Dan Woods on "Chop, Cut, Rebuild." Less than 3,000 of these sporty safety cars were built by Malcolm Bricklin between 1974 and 1976 or so, and we can only surmise that a lot less than that remain in working order today. Actually, the handy placard says that number of survivors is somewhere around 1,500. Thank God for placards. Check out the gallery to see some photos of this bright orange pumpkin Bricklin. This was one of those small surprises that make SEMA so much fun, and spotting it on Halloween made it a real treat.

Gallery: Bricklin SV1 show car

SEMA Sideshow: Bricklin SV1 show car originally appeared on Autoblog on Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:41:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BricklinBricklin SV1BricklinSv1Malcolm BricklinMalcolmBricklinSEMASV1Wed, 31 Oct 2007 16:41:00 EST<![CDATA[Bricklin shooting for the Automotive X-Prize: Will it have gull-wings?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/06/bricklin-shooting-for-the-automotive-x-prize-will-it-have-gull/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/06/bricklin-shooting-for-the-automotive-x-prize-will-it-have-gull/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/09/06/bricklin-shooting-for-the-automotive-x-prize-will-it-have-gull/#commentsFiled under:


Click to enlarge the 1/4 scale model of the EXV-LS

Depending on whether you bought a Subaru or a Yugo, Malcolm Bricklin is either the phoenix who keeps rising from the ashes or the roach you just can't seem to stamp out. Either way, he's back and this time his Visionary Vehicles has shifted from an abortive attempt to import Chery cars from China to a developer of high mileage series hybrids. Bricklin plans to have a full line of 100+ mpg vehicles with an initial on-sale date in 2010.

To get things kicked off, the first model will be entered in the Automotive X-Prize competition. For those who haven't been paying attention, the Auto X-Prize will offer a multi-million dollar purse to a team that can build a production viable and affordable car that seats at least four and can exceed 100 mpg (gasoline equivalent). The key there is viability and affordability. No single seater science projects here. Competitors have to demonstrate a business plan in addition to an actual working car. Bricklin plans to start off with an S-Class sized luxury sedan propelled by a series hybrid drivetrain including a lithium battery. Electric range is targeted at 40-50 miles and price at $35,000. Good luck.

[Source: AutoblogGreen]

Bricklin shooting for the Automotive X-Prize: Will it have gull-wings? originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 06 Sep 2007 18:05:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>automotive x-prizeAutomotiveX-prizebricklinseries hybridSeriesHybridThu, 06 Sep 2007 18:05:00 EST<![CDATA[VIDEO: Gullwings aplenty - 2007 Bricklin Owner's meet and a chat with Malcom Bricklin]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/video-gullwings-aplenty-2007-bricklin-owners-meet-and-a-chat/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/video-gullwings-aplenty-2007-bricklin-owners-meet-and-a-chat/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/24/video-gullwings-aplenty-2007-bricklin-owners-meet-and-a-chat/#commentsFiled under: , , ,

Bricklin owners have got it good. What other group of enthusiasts can have the founder and chief designer of their cars come and hang out with them for a weekend? Bricklin owners can, and did. From July 18th through the 22nd, the central Massachusetts city of Leominster played host to a flock of these mid-seventies gullwing GTs, and they were joined by Herb Grasse, who designed the wedgy sports car, as well as Malcolm Bricklin himself. Thirty-some cars eventually rumbled around the region and even drew some curious Deloreans out of the woodwork.

Bricklin owners are an exceptionally enthusiastic and knowedgeable group. Given the relative rarity of these sportsters, you'd assume that owners would have to be better with a wrench than your average Corvette owner. While we certainly found the owners we spoke with to have 93-octane blood, the cars themselves are based on stout, reliable and common components. Power units are AMC or Ford V8s, so big power is possible, and there were certainly several SV-1s sporting breathed-on drivetrains.

Check the jump for more and an interview with Malcolm Bricklin

Gallery: 2007 Bricklin international owner's gathering

Continue reading VIDEO: Gullwings aplenty - 2007 Bricklin Owner's meet and a chat with Malcom Bricklin

VIDEO: Gullwings aplenty - 2007 Bricklin Owner's meet and a chat with Malcom Bricklin originally appeared on Autoblog on Tue, 24 Jul 2007 12:58:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bricklingatheringgrassegullwingherbleominstermalcolmmassachusettsownersshowTue, 24 Jul 2007 12:58:00 EST<![CDATA[The most Bricklins we've ever seen in one place]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/the-most-bricklins-weve-ever-seen-in-one-place/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/the-most-bricklins-weve-ever-seen-in-one-place/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/07/20/the-most-bricklins-weve-ever-seen-in-one-place/#commentsFiled under: , ,


click on the picture above to see a gallery of 15 shots

No, we're not talking about what happens when Malcolm gets together with the rest of the clan, but it is a family gathering of sorts. The Bricklin SV-1, Bricklin's 1970s stab at a safety GT, of course has a cult following. How could you deny the coolness of these low-slung, gullwing-door, V8 coupes? This weekend, in the North Central Massachusetts hamlet of Leominster, about 40 SV-1s are expected, along with Malcolm Bricklin and the man responsible for the styling, Herb Grasse, for the Bricklin International Owner's Club's 2007 Bricklin International Gathering East. The cars have been trickling in to town all day, and we managed to snap a few shots at the hotel this evening. We'll be going back, armed with more photo and video gear on Saturday, so these quick shots are just to whet your appetite. There will be more SV-1s present, and likely several DeLoreans when we go back, and next year, both marques are teaming up to have an extravaganza in Gettysburg, PA. If you like your iconoclastic GTs shaped like doorstops, don't miss it!

Thanks for the heads up, Toby!

Gallery: Bricklin Meet 1



The most Bricklins we've ever seen in one place originally appeared on Autoblog on Fri, 20 Jul 2007 10:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bricklinbricklncar showCarShoweventgatheringmalcolmmassachusettsmeetnew englandNewEnglandshowFri, 20 Jul 2007 10:04:00 EST<![CDATA[Bricklin's back with Chinese-made hybrid]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/bricklins-back-with-chinese-made-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/bricklins-back-with-chinese-made-hybrid/http://www.autoblog.com/2007/01/14/bricklins-back-with-chinese-made-hybrid/#commentsFiled under: , ,



You gotta love Malcolm Bricklin's tenacity. Despite his plans to import Chinese-made Cherys into the U.S., Bricklin's looking east again for his next big thing. Which is an inexpenisive hybrid.

Bricklin says his company, Visionary Vehicles, is currently working to design a low-cost hybrid car that would be built in China to take advantage of cheap labor costs. By doing this, Bricklin says, he hopes to sell the new car for as much as 30% less than a conventional gasoline engine vehicle. China Car Times says the car is will be comparable in size to a Mercedes E Class, but sell in the $15,000 to $25,000 range.

If things work out this time, Visionary Vehicles plans to have affordable Chinese-made hybrid cars on dealer lots sometime in 2009. Less than two years from concept to reality for such a high-tech vehicle seems rather ambitious to us, but we wish Mr. Bricklin luck.

[Source: China Car Times, USA TODAY]

Bricklin's back with Chinese-made hybrid originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 14 Jan 2007 07:32:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bricklinBricklin Chinabricklin china hybridbricklin hybridBricklinChinaBricklinChinaHybridBricklinHybridMaclcolm BricklinMaclcolmBricklinMalcolm Bricklin hybridMalcolmBricklinHybridvisionary vehiclesvisionary vehicles chinavisionary vehicles china hybridvisionary vehicles chinese hybridvisionary vehicles hybridvisionary vehicles malcolm bricklinVisionaryVehiclesVisionaryVehiclesChinaVisionaryVehiclesChinaHybridVisionaryVehiclesChineseHybridVisionaryVehiclesHybridVisionaryVehiclesMalcolmBricklinSun, 14 Jan 2007 07:32:00 EST<![CDATA[Auto designer sues Chery, Visionary Vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/10/auto-designer-sues-chery-visionary-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/10/auto-designer-sues-chery-visionary-vehicles/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/12/10/auto-designer-sues-chery-visionary-vehicles/#commentsFiled under: ,




Out of the Chery/Visionary Vehicles breakup/separation/whatever currently going on comes a story of one disgruntled would-be designer.

Kenneth G. Grant Jr., former Ford automotive designer who worked on the last Thunderbird and other projects, filed a lawsuit Thursday claiming, among other things, breach of contract on the parts of Chery and Visionary Vehicles. It seems Grant was under the impression he was to be the design chief of the Chery/Visionary Vehicles U.S. studio. When the two companies' plans didn't work out, Grant claims he was left jobless.

Visionary Vehicles, through a statement emailed to Autoblog, says that Grant was fully compensated for design work it requested of him. Visionary's statement goes on to say Grant was not offered longtime employment. The statement ends with " It appears that Visionary Vehicles' inclusion in this case may be an effort to generate more public attention to this complaint."

Read Grant's statement as well as Visionary Vehicles' after the jump.

[Source: PR Newswire]

Continue reading Auto designer sues Chery, Visionary Vehicles

Auto designer sues Chery, Visionary Vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Sun, 10 Dec 2006 09:37:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BricklinCheryKenneth G. GrantKenneth G. Grant Jr.KennethG.GrantKennethG.GrantJr.Malcolm BricklinMalcolmBricklinVisionary VehiclesVisionary Vehicles CheryVisionary Vehicles Chery Kenneth G. GrantVisionary Vehicles ChinaVisionary Vehicles lawsuitVisionaryVehiclesVisionaryVehiclesCheryVisionaryVehiclesCheryKennethG.GrantVisionaryVehiclesChinaVisionaryVehiclesLawsuitSun, 10 Dec 2006 09:37:00 EST<![CDATA[Visionary Vehicles pushes back Chery's U.S. launch]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/visionary-vehicles-pushes-back-cherys-u-s-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/visionary-vehicles-pushes-back-cherys-u-s-launch/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/09/14/visionary-vehicles-pushes-back-cherys-u-s-launch/#commentsFiled under:



Malcolm Bricklin's Visionary Vehicles announced Wednesday another delay in his plans to import Chinese-built cars to the U.S., this time to late 2008 or early 2009. Bricklin originally planned a U.S. launch of Chery automobiles in January 2007.

Even the joint venture between Chery Automobile and Visionary Vehicles is behind schedule, with a definitive agreement between the two companies now expected later this year.

Bricklin has only signed 50 of the 250 dealers targeted for launching the Chery brand in the U.S., and with a $2 million sign-up fee, the remaining 200 aren't exactly breaking down the doors.

Originally aiming at the low end of the market, the "vision" (couldn't resist) is now to bring in models to compete with the likes of BMW and Mercedes-Benz, priced from $15,000 to $45,000. A total of 20 models are planned, with a new car launched every 3 months after the first model rolls into dealerships.

[Source: Reuters]

Visionary Vehicles pushes back Chery's U.S. launch originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 14 Sep 2006 09:59:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>bricklincherychery automobilemalcolm bricklinvisionary vehiclesThu, 14 Sep 2006 09:59:00 EST<![CDATA[George Soros said to be pouring $200M into Chery export venture]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/17/george-soros-said-to-be-pouring-200m-into-chery-export-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/17/george-soros-said-to-be-pouring-200m-into-chery-export-venture/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/17/george-soros-said-to-be-pouring-200m-into-chery-export-venture/#commentsFiled under: , ,

George Soros is said to be looking at investing $200M into Chinese automaker Chery to help its efforts in exporting low-cost vehicles to the United States. How this dovetails into Malcolm Bricklin's efforts to do the same with his Visionary Vehicles company is not yet clear; Bricklin is said to have confirmed the amount of the pending investment, but won't state the source of the money. Soros' fortune, earned mostly by currency speculation, is estimated at $7B, but we're not aware of any prior investment in automotive ventures.

Bricklin earlier this month stated that the stateside arrival of Chery vehicles will be postponed and ratcheted down his sales projections. Last month, executives from Chery are said to have met with representatives from Chrysler concerning the production of an inexpensive small car for the US market. It would appear that this saga has a few more twists and turns left in it before the first Chinese import lands in America.

[Source: Automotive News/Autoweek]

George Soros said to be pouring $200M into Chery export venture originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 17 Jun 2006 22:36:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BricklinCheryChinaexportsimportsSorosSat, 17 Jun 2006 22:36:00 EST<![CDATA[Coming soon to a theater near you: "Malcolm Bricklin: The Movie"?]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/03/coming-soon-to-a-theater-near-you-malcolm-bricklin-the-movie/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/03/coming-soon-to-a-theater-near-you-malcolm-bricklin-the-movie/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/06/03/coming-soon-to-a-theater-near-you-malcolm-bricklin-the-movie/#commentsFiled under: , ,

Automotive entrepreneur Malcolm Bricklin's business successes and failings over the years have been well documented in the media over the years, with Autoblog being no exception. All eyes are on Bricklin to see if his grandiose plans for Chinese automaker Chery can meet with Subaru-like success, or whether the result will be more on the order of the dismal failure of his self-named Bricklin 'safety' sports car, or the discount embarrassment that was Yugo's foray into North America.

But apparently, all of this isn't enough for the once-and-future importer. According to Fortune Magazine's Alex Taylor III, Bricklin is chronicling his daily life leading up to the launch of Chery with a video crew that follows him around 24/7-- reportedly, more than 1,000 hours of footage has been recorded.  Could 'Bricklin: The Movie' be far behind?

[Sources: Fortune Magazine via CNNMoney; AutoNews]

Coming soon to a theater near you: "Malcolm Bricklin: The Movie"? originally appeared on Autoblog on Sat, 03 Jun 2006 15:56:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>BricklinCherychina carChinaCarChinese carChineseCarMalcolm BricklinMalcolmBricklinSubaruYugoSat, 03 Jun 2006 15:56:00 EST<![CDATA[Malcolm Bricklin 'Chery' picks ex-AIADA president for Visionary Vehicles]]>http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/malcolm-bricklin-chery-picks-ex-aiada-president-for-visionary/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/malcolm-bricklin-chery-picks-ex-aiada-president-for-visionary/http://www.autoblog.com/2006/05/18/malcolm-bricklin-chery-picks-ex-aiada-president-for-visionary/#commentsFiled under: ,

Automotive mogul Malcolm Bricklin announced Wednesday that he has signed Marianne McInerney, former President of the American International Automobile Dealers Association (AIADA) to be his Executive Vice President of Dealer/Industry Relations at Visionary Vehicles. The CEO is best known for his instrumental role in bringing Subaru and Yugo to North America, as well as for his ill-fated 'safety supercar,' the eponymous Bricklin SV-1.

 

Visionary Vehicles, you'll recall, is Bricklin's bid to bring Chinese vehicles to the North American marketplace. The high-profile entrepreneur has signed a joint venture with Chery Vehicles, and in the words of the company, this is the group's "first critical hire."

Check the link for the full press release.

[Source: Visionary Vehicles via PRNewswire]

Malcolm Bricklin 'Chery' picks ex-AIADA president for Visionary Vehicles originally appeared on Autoblog on Thu, 18 May 2006 17:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

Read | Permalink | Email this | Comments]]>AIADABricklinCheryMalcolm BricklinMalcolmBricklinMarianne McInerneyMarianneMcinerneyVisionary VehiclesVisionaryVehiclesThu, 18 May 2006 17:04:00 EST